It doesn’t matter who you are, just make sure you get the proportions right.

“I notice increasing reluctance on the part of marketing executives to use judgment; they are coming to rely too much on research, and they use it as a drunkard uses a lamp post for support, rather than for illumination.”

Originally posted on Women's iLab: You’ve probably heard the word “unconference” bouncing around among colleagues and friends, or you’ve seen it to describe daylong events. For those of you wondering what on earth they’re about and how to properly participate, fear not: it’s time for a crash course so that you’re prepared for the…

(6m reading time)

Amanda Efthimiou offers up some helpful tips for attending your first “unconference.” She’s gotten me stoked to go to one!

Have you done the unconference thing? If so, I’d love to hear about your impressions and any suggestions you have for making the most of them!

You’ve probably heard the word “unconference” bouncing around among colleagues and friends, or you’ve seen it to describe daylong events. For those of you wondering what on earth they’re about and how to properly participate, fear not: it’s time for a crash course so that you’re prepared for the real deal.

It’s safe to say we’ve all been to a traditional conference before. Frankly, I find them quite boring and ineffective. There’s a keynote speaker who’s well known in the industry that you probably won’t get the chance to chat with in person, because he or she will be off to another event as they try to fit everything in to their busy schedule. There are endless panel discussions that don’t even try to engage the audience, and they leave little room for a Q&A afterwards. You’re bored and on your phone checking emails and Instagram so often that your…

I want to convince you to give the underrated mind map another chance. It can power greater creativity and insight for you.

(4m reading time)

A mind map on mind mapping. Mind. Blown.

Many of us stop using mind maps as soon as we exit school. I think I’ve seen a mind map maybe once in my entire professional career. This makes me sad, and I want to convince you to give the underrated mind map another chance. With some love the mind map can pay big dividends for you.

Don’t rest on your laurels in the final stretch before your talk. Optimize your prep to walk on-stage at your awesomest.

(3m reading time)

Blasting through the finish.

When a runner approaches a race’s finish line, does he slow down and cruise? No, he calls upon a final, secret store energy held in reserve for just this moment, and he pushes hard to finish strong.That’s exactly what you’ve got to do in the hours leading up to your presentation to keep the butterflies at bay and your mind sharp.

(9m reading time)

In this public speaking series I’ve been talking about how I prepare myself to deliver a challenging or lengthy talk. I’m usually sitting pretty if I prime my memory and memorize the foolproof way. However, acing an important presentation may need more than just getting the material into my head. When the stakes are high or the circumstances unfavorable, I take out insurance.